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Top considerations when planning a calving barn
As attention to livestock production intensifies, producers continue to evaluate the benefits of calving barns for enhancing both livestock management and operational efficiency, according to Dennis Lee, farm product line manager for Morton Buildings. Lee cites important considerations to design a calving barn that promotes efficiency and animal well-being. Lee says construction quality is also essential when planning a new calving barn or other livestock facilities. For more information,...
Upcoming USDA reports to feature key data for hog producers
USDA livestock reports can offer valuable insights into the hog industry. Lee Schulz, Ph.D., chief economist of Ever.Ag, says that reports such as the annual livestock slaughter report, set for release on April 22, can give producers a snapshot of the state of the...
New data shows continued threat to food affordability due to California Prop. 12
Equipped with brand new retail and U.S. Department of Agriculture data reinforcing California Proposition 12’s detrimental impacts on both producers and consumers, 105 American pork producers from 23 states took to Capitol Hill, advocating for their livelihoods with...
Filing season shows impact of farm tax changes
Farm families are getting a clearer picture of how last summer’s federal tax changes could affect long-term business planning after working through another filing season. In an interview with the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke...
To replant or not to replant, that is the question
This week’s unpredictable, severe weather shows just how quickly conditions can go from favorable to harmful for the crops in Iowa. No farmer wants to plan on making replant decisions, but it’s still important to keep in mind for when the crop season inevitably throws...
No E15, farm aid expected in GOP budget bill
Year-round E15 and additional farm aid are not expected to be included in a new GOP party-line budget bill. United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) says that the reconciliation bill will not include relief for farmers. According to Grassley, the White House has...
Farmers can’t afford all the fertilizer they need this spring
A new American Farm Bureau survey shows a large majority of farmers can’t afford enough fertilizer this year amid skyrocketing prices. Nearly half of Midwest farmers say they can’t afford all the fertilizer they need this year. Almost 70 percent in the Northeast and...
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USDA reorganizes FSIS and establishes Food Safety Center in Iowa
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced a major reorganization of the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), aiming to modernize operations and better align the agency with today’s agricultural landscape. Central to the plan is the creation of a National...
Pilot program targets nitrogen efficiency
As Iowa farmers prepare to get planters rolling this spring, a new soil testing effort is aiming to help producers better manage fertilizer costs while also improving environmental outcomes. Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig says the pilot program focuses on...
Farmers need to have flexible weed control programs
Weeds like water hemp are at the top of every farmer’s mind, especially as planting season rolls along. Producers need to have a broad spectrum of control in their weed management plans, or they will risk having those weeds develop resistances to the products they...
Canada patiently pursuing USMCA despite pressure from U.S.
The Trump administration is demanding what amounts to an ‘entry fee’ from Canada, in the form of agreeing to some concessions just to engage in trade talks relating to the USMCA deal. In particular, the U.S. administration is demanding pre-negotiation concessions from...
Iowa’s official America250 tree planted on Arbor Day at the Iowa State Fairgrounds
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and other state leaders gathered at the Iowa State Fairgrounds today to plant Iowa’s official America250 tree. The event is part of a year-long, statewide initiative celebrating the nation’s 250th birthday and honoring Iowa’s...
